"Zoë Schiffer: Welcome to WIRED's Uncanny Valley. I'm WIRED's Director of Business and Industry, Zoë Schiffer. Today on the show we're skipping our regular roundup to discuss the news that's gripped the nation since yesterday: the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. On Wednesday, Kirk was fatally shot at an event at Utah Valley University. It was the first appearance of what was supposed to be a nationwide tour aimed at "equipping students with the tools""
"In today's episode, our host Zoë Schiffer is joined by senior politics writer Jake Lahut to discuss Charlie Kirk's death and its aftermath, covering everything from how prominent right-wing voices have responded to the news, to how Kirk helped shape conservative media influencers and US politics at large. You can follow Zoë Schiffer on Bluesky at @zoeschiffer and Jake Lahut on Bluesky at @jakelahut.writes.news. Write to us at uncannyvalley@wired.com."
Charlie Kirk, age 31, was fatally shot at Utah Valley University during the first appearance of a planned nationwide campus tour. The shooting prompted immediate responses from prominent right-wing voices and far-right figures, including online calls that encouraged or celebrated violence. Commentary emphasized Kirk's role in shaping conservative media influencers and his broader influence on U.S. politics through activism and digital platforms. Reactions from MAGA-aligned influencers included celebratory and conspiratorial framing, while observers raised concerns about political violence, platform amplification, and how social media and tech companies enable influential partisan figures.
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